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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Brussels and Cologne

Independent 7-day rail trip linking Brussels and Cologne

Illustration of Brussels and Cologne

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation between Brussels and Cologne, running 7 days and 6 nights. Travelers check into a Brussels hotel on day 1 for a three-night stay, with time to explore the Marolles district's cobbled streets, admire works by Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel and Rubens, and visit the medieval Grand Place in the evening. On day 4, travelers take the train to Cologne, a city with a skyline dominated by the twin spires of the Gothic Dom Cathedral, and check in for three more nights. Cologne days include a scenic cruise down the Rhine or a stroll through the Old Town, plus included tickets to the Chocolate Museum on the Rheinau Peninsula. Most days are described as being at your own leisure or your own pace, so this suits travelers who are comfortable planning their own sightseeing in both cities without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package lists 12 hotel options across price tiers in Brussels and Cologne rather than one fixed hotel, so the actual hotel and comfort level depend on the tier chosen at booking.
  • Only one day of the trip (day 4) is a train journey; the rest of the week is self-guided city time in Brussels and Cologne.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Brussels

    Your Journey Begins in Brussels

    Welcome to Brussels! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. Once settled into the hotel, why not spend some time exploring the cobbled streets and vibrant cafes of the Marolles districts.

  2. Day 2overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    After breakfast in the hotel this morning, continue exploring Brussels at your own leisure. Art lovers may wish to admire the works of Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel, and Rubens.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Enjoy another full day to take in more of what Brussels has to offer. In the evening, head to the stunning medieval Grand Place.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cologne

    Brussels to Cologne

    After breakfast, spend the morning in Brussels before travelling by train to Cologne. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Cologne is a cosmopolitan city, with a skyline dominated by the twin spires of its famous Gothic Dom Cathedral.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    After breakfast at your hotel this morning, spend a full day exploring Cologne at your own pace. Take a scenic cruise down the sparkling Rhine, or stroll through the attractive Old Town.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Chocoholics will be delighted to use your included tickets to the famous Chocolate Museum on the Rheinau Peninsula. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day in Cologne at your leisure.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Cologne

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to assist you.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Explore the cobbled streets and cafes of the Marolles district in Brussels.
  • Day 3Visit the medieval Grand Place in the evening.
  • Day 4Travel by train from Brussels to Cologne, arriving beneath the twin spires of the Gothic Dom Cathedral.
  • Day 5Take a scenic cruise down the Rhine or stroll through Cologne's Old Town.
  • Day 6Use included tickets to visit the Chocolate Museum on the Rheinau Peninsula.

Questions travellers ask

Does this trip include train travel?
Yes. The trip is sold as an independent rail vacation, and day 4 has travelers travel by train from Brussels to Cologne.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent. Days are described as being spent "at your own leisure" or "at your own pace," with the Chocolate Museum tickets on day 6 the only set activity mentioned.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 12 hotel options across price tiers, including Hilton Brussels Grand Place, Warwick Brussels and Le Louise Hotel Brussels MGallery in Brussels, and the Hilton Cologne and Pullman Cologne in Cologne.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Brussels and three nights in Cologne, for 7 days and 6 nights total.
What is included besides the hotels and rail travel?
Breakfast each morning and tickets to Cologne's Chocolate Museum on day 6.
What does it cost?
Prices start at $989 per person.

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